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Posted July 28, 2011 10:53 pm - Updated July 29, 2011 07:56 am

Jaguars bringing Jason Spitz back home a shrewd move

The Jaguars coming to an agreement Thursday night with Bolles School graduate and former Green Bay Packers starting guard Jason Spitz serves two purposes -- as an insurance policy in case Vince Manuwai can't properly recover from a foot injury, and as a possible eventual replacement for center Brad Meester.

Several sources confirmed to me that the free agent Spitz will sign a three-year, incentive-laden contract with the Jaguars Friday night, providing he passes his physical.

Spitz, who started 45 of 49 games in which he appeared in his first 3 1/2 seasons in Green Bay, sufferred a back injury in October, 2009, and was placed on injured reserve the following month. He ended up having surgery and, unable to lift weights for an extended period, Spitz lost a starting job to center Scott Wells last season.

Though he played all 16 games on special teams, Spitz is looking to become a starter again and the Jaguars can offer him a chance to compete this year at left guard, with a likely eventual move to center whenever the 34-year-old Meester is phased out.

Jaguars general manager Gene Smith will not comment on any players until they've signed contracts, but sources have confirmed that Jaguars' defensive end and former Packers' teammate Aaron Kampman gave Spitz high marks for his toughness and being a solid locker-room presence.

Spitz, a 2006 third-round draft pick out of Louisville, saw his star fade in Green Bay after the back surgery as he struggled to find a role in the Packers' interior line. While he ended up with a Super Bowl ring, Spitz is looking to be a starter again and the Jaguars can give him a chance to get into the mix immediately at left guard.

Obviously, Manuwai's uncertain status and not knowing how quickly rookie Will Rackley can learn the position provides Spitz with an opportunity. Ultimately, he will likely compete with second-year center John Estes to be Meester's replacement, more likely in 2012 than this season.

For now, Spitz is hoping a return to his hometown will allow him the best chance to revive his career. Since it likely won't cost the Jaguars a lot of money if things don't work out, bringing Spitz home is a smart move for both parties.